Cloning Vintage Knobs

[@riteandleft]

Excellent informative video with a great sense of humour too. Top bloke!

[@Rompler_Rocco]

Wesley Treat, sir, you are exactly what makes KZbin so damn cool.

[@fmh357]

That is so clever. Especially sanding down the wooden dowel and installing it for the flat. I learned a few things today. Thank you.

[@andrewrobotbuilder]

I absolutely love how the silicon picks up the tiny surface scratches and makes the new part look just as worn as the originals - a matching set!

[@MrBriankerri]

5:41

[@MrBriankerri]

Need to make a vintage lawnmower gear shift handle. I’m going to try this method .

[@danielrodriguez950]

Not sure why this was in my recommended but I'm not complaining

[@ilovebeinagirl]

Me either and me either.

[@AalbertTorsius]

Not complaining, just subscribing. Must've been that restoration of an old oil dispenser and a car jack I watched. *Edit* The first one was this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iGbVaZJtbt1mkJI and the second one was on the same channel.

[@1950cappie]

I collect old test equiptment, radios, gadgets etc... Now I've collected your much needed subscription. Thanks for having me aboard!

[@InformationIsTheEdge]

The process was cool but the presentation was a LOT cooler! Thanks for making that so fun!

[@jeremythelander5024]

Wow. That casting was spot on. Nice work.

[@SaitoGray]

I was that smug ass who thought he could tell which one it was and i was so wrong. That really freaking cool, i need to learn how to cast thing, that seem fun.

[@blingblong1]

you can tell? no you cant.

[@BigHeretic]

*SaitoGray* I could tell that it was the one underneath ! - no I couldn't, I'm just an ass.

[@michaelkessler3813]

i was wondering why the one underneath had a less scratchy look to it

[@Jsjeuducjejwjsif]

@@michaelkessler3813 no you weren't

[@michaelkessler3813]

Your Grandma oh you false mind readers

[@ThroughAScannerInfrared]

polite enough to tell me when to skip to and the clever inside joke on top really tickled me in a way i've never been tickled before

[@RuneTheFirst]

The spring-loaded knob for D-shaft controls was a popular design in the 30s and 40s. Just about every manufacturer used them, especially RCA. The design was for Bakelite because of its unique properties. It would not do well with setscrews unless the threaded element was a metal insert. It just stripped too easily. But it was quite stable otherwise. Hence the design. It would hold well. Manufacturers had to change designs after the switch to injection-molded plastic. If put under the stress of a spring for long terms they tended to crack or split. So they had to be re-designed. Some used sheet steel inserts that contained their own spring pressure. Setscrews made a comeback (they had been used on the wooden knobs of the 20s with threaded inserts.) Thanks for showing an easy way to copy these things. Many don't know this can be done.

[@cwize]

This project / video made me so happy.

[@Pillowcase]

that turned out way better than i would have expected.

[@ejkoford5303]

Dude works with resin and drill press and has the most perfect nails I've ever seen. Hows that possible?

[@Dardrum]

I usually never get impressed, but I am very impressed, nice work Wesley

[@Chiefbobaloo]

I restore older broadcast mixers, this is just what I needed to see. Thanks!

[@iamaioshi]

Excellent video! ive been tired of the same old maker videos, with the music and the editing always the similar. You get a nice a up close feel, with no music, and you are genuine with your commentary! Love it! Also I too am a fan of old electronics and especially knobs

[@curtisowens6413]

What he said^^^^^

[@michael931]

Yeah, the restoration videos are the worst. No narration, fast forward, lots of rapid hammer tapping and wire brushing.. Only thing worse is the robot narrator videos.

[@BluntlyBlunt_]

Facts. 💯

[@lockbreaker7961]

It’s rare to see a man who likes working with knobs that much!

[@TheMeta6]

Wesley you teach me so many useful techniques that I'll never use.... thank you!

[@richardgoebel226]

That is some very much needed information. Lots of vintage electronic equipment out there needing replacement knobs. Thanks for sharing!

[@kencohagen4967]

My father in law made several knobs for antique radios. This is one good method. He also built his own injection molding machine. He machined his own does, and made an injector out of a screw type hydraulic ram from an air stair from an aircraft wrecking yard. He also cast knobs like these. Cool stuff!

[@JohnSmith-eo5sp]

Something about the design of these knob-heads makes me think they are of German manufacture. When was this Tube-Tester built?

[@briankays2635]

Quite possibly the greatest KZbin video I've ever watched. I stopped to think for a few seconds to make sure that statement was correct but, yeah, greatest KZbin video I've ever seen. And I've seen a bunch.

[@GeekDetour]

I have no idea how I ended up watching this... BUT I LOVED IT! Awesome :)

[@jerryw2314]

Interesting video, thanks. My brother in law does pretty much the same thing, making knobs and parts. Never watched him work on his projects even though he has been doing it for over 30 years. Again. Thanks for posting this video.

[@CamTarn]

Those knobs are little works of art deco loveliness :)

[@JohnSmith-eo5sp]

Could the the design of these knob-heads be of German manufacture?

[@TheLawrenceWade]

I built myself a 3D printer specifically to make replacements for unobtainable antique radio knobs, but I'll happily print anything that isn't a weapon. Keep our technological history alive! Next up: I am going to 3D print the parts to make a 3D scanner so I can "photocopy" a knob to make a replacement. I love and applaud what you are doing here. If you can figure out where to put a couple of vacuum tubes on a 3D printer, I'm into doing that. It will give a whole new meaning to the phrase "My printer is warming up". :)

[@xoxo-yu1gp]

wesley you are one absolute spiffing chap just found your channel and I'm totally smitten you are an absolute natural

[@glxracer337]

this, oddly, showed up as a recommendation. I have to say it was both interesting and I loved the throwback to Sigmund

[@MIgardener]

This was so cool! I can't believe how exact it looked.

[@TheRadioShop]

As a vintage collector and restorer myself, I find this video to be excellent! Great job and thanks for showing this. Liked and subscribed.

[@JohnSmith-eo5sp]

3:23 Something about the design of these knob-heads makes me think they are of German manufacture.

[@henryford5151]

Brilliant video making. No crappy music, no lacklustre commentary, you clearly know what you're doing and you love doing it. Brilliant!

[@____________________________.x]

I was going to suggest adding a layer of polish first, but looking at the result I reckon they look better with the scratches being reproduced. I hope you'll stick some of these on eBay, I'm sure some people would love a retro knob for their builds.

[@southtown2366]

First video ive seen from you! MAN I thought I was the only one that had a love for Restoring every nut bolt and knob! THANK YOU!

[@smoothon]

Great video! Those look fantastic!

[@jdniedner]

That's Brilliant! I want to change everything with a knob on it to these, volume in the car, diming switches, and so on. I think you're on to something there Wesley!

[@lomparti]

That is amazing. Im thoroughly impressed!

[@LilMissMurder3409]

Finally, a DIY KZbinr with clean, manicured nails! IT'S A MIRACLE!

[@dfbess]

never seen a video of yours before, I enjoyed more than I thought I would ..thank you. Also I did not skip :)

[@pinkponyofprey1965]

haha yeah, same here! I even subscribed! I might even learn a thing or two plus a good laugh hasn't killed ... that many people ...

[@t0nito]

Same here!

[@BADALICE]

That was great. Even the Sigmond song. Right to the point as well. I really appreciate that.

[@ScottDLR]

You've got a new fan here. Can't wat to binge watch.

[@maxmaxwell1905]

Sigmund and the Sea Monsters? That's so like last century! Great video, another skill I can file away in the dark recesses of my brain for that "just in case I ever need to..." time.

[@karlfimm]

This looks like a perfect job for 3d printing. Not the knobs themselves - those copies are far better than that - but for the knob fixing. Drill out a larger hole in the knob (say 10mm rather than 6mm) and print a small cylindrical part that has whichever complex shaped hole you want. Glue B into A.

[@shanerussell7335]

Karl Fimm or 3D print a post to put into the mold to create the proper hole.

[@xConundrumx]

@@shanerussell7335 ehm ... and how do you get the post out again once the resin has cured :) It won't be like the flexible liquid silicone mold and will totally be 'glued' in there.

[@shanerussell7335]

@@xConundrumx True. A really complicated post would be stuck, but a simple D-shape would come out easily. Put a thin coat of vaseline on it before pouring the epoxy.

[@xConundrumx]

@@shanerussell7335 ah that's a really clever idea! Thanks, should make a note of that. Mind you with the little ridges from the layering you probably want to give it a good sanding too I would guess. So the surface is smooth that is.

[@SavageSmithy]

@@xConundrumx use pva filament and simply soak your cast knob in warm water to dissolve it

[@wrapdump]

This was a YT recommendation when watching the intro for Swat Kats, which is a 90s cartoon about two cats that fly a fighter jet to fight crime. YT knows me too well. Subbed.

[@SuperFredAZ]

Very nice. It's hard to believe how nice these parts come out. I was going to comment that you should 3d print the knobs but this technique is much better.

[@KennethNicholson1972]

Brilliant reproduction. Love the tester board too. In addition I like that you are nuts, funny, and you are willing to share knobs with your Brothers. You have earned my subscription fella.

[@timsway]

Man that Tim Sway fella is handsome. Great video, btw. Very well put together. Thanks!!

[@GrazMakes]

yeah the guy he circled is very handsome indeed ;-)

[@glasslinger]

You can stick the knobs down using double sided carpet tape and the silicone won't get under them. Also, thanks for keeping the video ad free! I would get the tube tester working myself!

[@Jer_Schmidt]

Awesome video! I'm really impressed with the result!

[@pco1984]

It's been fun seeing someone play with a knob.

[@catsupchutney]

+ 1 for Sigmund the Sea Monster reference.

[@keithjackson1180]

There were probably only a handful of people who understood it.

[@paulanthonyjohns]

this guy is freaking hilarious and an excellent presenter.

[@bikecopjoe]

Thank you for showing this. I know now how to clone knobs for my vintage RCA radio and record player. You mentioned you had a "collection.' Please take a couple of minutes and show them. I would love to see what you have done and what you have. Again, Thanks.

[@jamesbaldwin9969]

I've got an RCA tombstone radio. It was missing the guts and sitting at the curb in great shape. I snatched it up and put my modern stereo in it. It's so cool.

[@Biokemist-o3k]

Absolutely Brilliant work my friend!!!..I couldn't tell which one was the new one either....-John

[@garygerard4290]

wow, too damm cool you'd make a good neighbor!

[@Biokemist-o3k]

@@garygerard4290 Absolutely my friend!!I am in Pennsylvania..Where are you located??

[@Biokemist-o3k]

@@garygerard4290 I do not know if I told you about the 1928 Morgan/MG special that I am building. It is a wooden frame with minimal steel and it is built just like a 20's airplane with no propeller and no wings. here is the original ....kzbin.info/www/bejne/jWq0fpRtdrp3Y5Ysi=4iaIqa9qrYwkoIbB

[@Chef_PC]

Well, thanks for this video. Now I have a new channel subscribed and a host of new videos to watch. Oh, and a hankering to silicon mold anything and everything in my house.

[@AalbertTorsius]

_Everything?_

[@TheWeirdSide1]

Wow that's amazing! Thanks for teaching us knuckleheads something today!

[@forthrightnight]

Your video showed up in the recommended videos after Adam Savage's armor build. Frikkin' amazing!! I had no idea makers took things to this level. Liked and subscribed. Cheers from B.C.

[@PierreaSweedieCat]

Awesome! Thanks for the jokes, singing, learning! And saving that old bit of kit.

[@BurtonsAttic]

Nice work! Always liked retro knobs like that! I need one of them for something, just don't know what yet!

[@videogalore]

Superb - I can't believe how good of a copy this is! Excellent result!

[@chadseberg]

I love the word "minutia".

[@cos6255]

One of the better how-to videos on KZbin - well done!

[@JohnnyRottenest]

I really look forward to WT videos.

[@gazookerman1328]

That must be a really satisfying to push that new knob down on that old shaft and find that something you just made fits perfectly...Great video!

[@MrRangiku01]

... You, my trollish friend, have just gained a new sub👍😂😂😂

[@perprzem]

Positive crazy hobby and very good way to resolve missing knob issue... man... you`re craziest hobbyst that I`ve ever seen... peace man, do what you love

[@MakeSomething]

Wait a second, that wasn't Tim! 😄 Totally doing this for my guitar restore! Great vid!

[@WesleyTreat]

I think I know what my best friend looks like, David. 😜

[@Todd82TA]

That is friggin' amazing how well those knobs came out!

[@HandToolRescue]

Awesome! Well done.

[@stevenspaziani9159]

That was very crafty, and I thought you're castings were spot on.

[@DavidPlass]

Surgery on a jellyfish! YMMD, thank you.

[@jaimeherrera2510]

I can't say nothing, but : Wonderful!!!!

[@kanati]

subscribing SOLELY due to the sigmund and the seamonsters references

[@NikonFM2n]

Me too. Damn the 70's were a great time to be a kid.

[@scottpecora371]

The 60's were even better, make a wonder what it was like the previous century, before electricity, cars, airplanes, radio, tv or computers and children had to rely upon their own imagination's. Our medicine and ease of life is no doubt better today, butch think the quality of life, daily living, no processed foods, and the belonging to a community where as a child everyone knew who you were, and who your parents were! We've gained tremendous things, but also lost and given up the same

[@sumnerbrent]

Sigmund song and I'm in too! I love it!

[@NikonFM2n]

The 70s were awesome. I was born in 71. Saturday morning cartoons and pop rocks. Jajajajajajajajajajaja

[@SMITHII_]

Very cool . Finding vintage knobs is one of the more difficult things with antique electronics. This will come in handy for sure.

[@koningbolo4700]

Spraying a bit of rubbing alcohol on the surface pops all the bubbles instantly...

[@Texaca]

This sounds interesting -- what you are saying, coat the surface of the knobs with rubbing alcohol? What does that do?

[@ncdave4life]

​@@Texaca, you didn't watch the video, did you?

[@kuzumisama]

But then you couldn't make the fun popping noise... :(

[@drslump9314]

@@Texaca i think he is talking about the bubbles on the green silicone mold. The ones one the knobs are cool because you are cloning an old one.

[@TheHermitHacker]

I am almost willing to bet this is actually how they were made.. from a mold. Even so, amazing how well they look exactly the same. I just learned something.

[@AddFilmmedia]

Oh, morse code at the end! ❤ .- - - = wt (nerdy) , old radio operator...

[@WesleyTreat]

You're the first person to notice!

[@RobMacKendrick]

QSL that.

[@mbaker335]

Problem is I thought the T was a bit short. So almost WE. Was it done by hand or with a keyer?

[@AddFilmmedia]

@@mbaker335 Probably translation software, don't you think? QTH? QTH Lund, Sweden.

[@lnofzero]

Wow! This was really well done! Both the knobs themselves, but also the How-to video! Just enough information delivered in a playful manner. It is clear you love what you do!

[@CreepyChappy]

You’re funny I subbed

[@wargunnerguy]

+1

[@thinkingimpaired5663]

It's always nice to view the work of a craftsman.

[@inhabitedbadge]

5:43, like surgery on a grape

[@nothanks7752]

exactly what I was thinking.

[@awizardalso]

Thanks for posting this. I also have a passion for old school electrical and electronic gadgets.

[@Traderjoe]

I thought I was the only one who sings Sigmund the sea monster theme song

[@Kara_Kay_Eschel]

I do 'Clutch Cargo'.

[@minutemark]

Kudos on knowing the words to one of many of the Sid and Marty Krofft Saturday morning programming shows of my childhood. I'm not alone anymore!

[@timbrown9305]

I just looked up "Sigmond the sea monster" . I was born in 1964 so how did I miss that?

[@jamienoel]

I was born years after you and remember watching it every Saturday morning. Those were the days...

[@teenapittman4241]

I started out looking for 3D printed knobs but this video seems the best way. It uses a common sense approach and doesn't make it harder than it has to be. I am restoring a 40's-50'ish stove and one of the knobs was cracked in half and the rest of them have stress cracks and won't take very much use before they crack too. The knobs are odd shaped, thin oval with a point on the side at the off spot. I will try this. I loved HR Pufnstuf and Sigmund. I had a redheaded, witchnosed neighbor whose nickname was Witchiepoo, as an adult in the 90's. Thanks for everything.

[@MrStrangelymade]

Not something I often ask, but what was you using to clean your knob?

[@WesleyTreat]

Just your run-of-the-mill 409.✨

[@wynncull9415]

What a totally informational and entertaining man. I am impressed by his inventiveness.

[@leardvr]

You are my new best friend. I have a vintage Grand Stove I've redone and didn't know how to do knobs. I 💘 you man. I'm off to by supplies tomorrow. Even more excited about the idea of doing different colors.

[@WesleyTreat]

Be sure to watch some Smooth-On tutorial videos for all the details I didn't cover here.

[@johnlake6321]

Fantastic!!! I dabble in ancient electronics too. Now I know how to deal with missing knobs...so long as I have a sample.

[@frankintegrity706]

content like this on the tube is the reason I don't watch TV.I will probably never need to cast and replicate vintage electronic equipment knobs.But still enjoyed the skills involved.:)

[@DTHuey]

You caught me off guard with that Sigmund bit...got quite a chuckle from it. Very nice job with these knobs!

[@Droidparty]

That was seriously cool.Great job, I couldn't tell the difference.

[@truckywuckyuwu]

It's amazing that we have the technology to do all these sorts of repairs these days. So easily that almost anyone can do this stuff at home. It's also sad that barely anyone actually repairs and restores things these days. I still have stuff from the 50's that works great with just a few capacitors being replaced. Yet my new computer monitor had glued in LED's that burnt out after 4 months of use and I can't replace them.

[@crowznest438]

That was really fun to watch and your enthusiastic creativity is catching.

[@mitchcline3289]

Thank you for this clear, concise and practical instruction. You give us novices some confidence that we can do it to.

[@markprentice1961]

I could watch this all day!

[@EvenTheDogAgrees]

Wow, this was surprisingly fun to watch. Nice vintage gear you got there!

[@1967250s]

Maybe one of the best videos on casting I have seen. Even reproduces the scratches and wear. Most appreciated!

[@missyd0g2]

Some of the old devices have amazing designs.

[@1thess523]

My son has been wanting vintage knobs for his guitar 🎸, I'm going to show him your video 👍.